What’s in Store for the Second Half of The Vampire Diaries?

The Television Critics Association’s twice-yearly press tour is currently under way in Pasadena, CA, and on Saturday The CW, Showtime, and CBS shared the spotlight with The Vampire Dairies, fresh off its People’s Choice Awards win for Best New Drama, garnering a significant amount of attention. Stars Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, and Paul Wesley were joined on a brisk 30-minute panel by executive producers Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, and Bob Levy.

**BEWARE: SOME SPOILERS FOLLOW SO PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!**

Plec kicked things off with a rebuttal to the rumors that Elena would be turned into a vampire, and Williamson assured everyone that Damon is undeterred from his mission to revive Katherine, promising, “The tomb is still very much in play.”

In addition, viewers will soon be learning more about newcomer Alaric’s back story along with that of his wife (played by Mia Kirshner). As for Vicki, the character may indeed be gone, but she is far from forgotten as Jeremy continues to struggle with her disappearance.

But the main thing the fans want to know is what about the Damon-Stefan-Elena triangle? Dobrev teased the crowd, “Now that Elena’s taken off her necklace, she is very vulnerable; and in the upcoming episodes, specifically the January 21 episode, there will be a lot more of Damon and Elena.” And more of Damon and Stefan, too, apparently as Williamson stated, “The latter half [of the season] will see Damon finally having to step up and act like a big brother when something huge happens to Stefan.”

For the full play-by-play, including details on any upcoming Somerhalder/Dobrev lip-locking, visit The TV Addict‘s live blog from the TCA event. And for more pictures, see Zimbio.